Wilmington, North Carolina, known as "The Port City," is a vibrant coastal city with a rich history and a thriving cultural scene. Located along the Cape Fear River and near the Atlantic Ocean, Wilmington offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and modern amenities. The city's dynamic growth and strong sense of community make living in Wilmington an attractive option.
Residents of Wilmington enjoy a variety of recreational activities and cultural events. The city's numerous parks, beaches, and recreational facilities provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach are popular destinations for swimming, surfing, and fishing. The Riverwalk, a scenic boardwalk along the Cape Fear River, offers beautiful views and a vibrant atmosphere.
Wilmington's cultural scene is enriched by its diverse population and vibrant arts community. The Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts hosts a range of performances, including theater productions, concerts, and dance shows. The Cameron Art Museum and the Wilmington Railroad Museum further contribute to the city's cultural landscape, offering residents access to visual and performing arts.
The cost of living in Wilmington is relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for families and young professionals. The housing market includes a variety of options, from historic homes in charming neighborhoods to modern apartments and condos. The city's economy is supported by industries such as tourism, healthcare, and education, providing numerous job opportunities for residents.
Public transportation in Wilmington is provided by Wave Transit, which operates bus routes throughout the city. Wilmington's climate features mild winters and hot summers, allowing for year-round outdoor activities. Overall, Wilmington offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and community spirit, making it a desirable place to live.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Wilmington is a mid-sized city located in the state of North Carolina. The city has a population of 125,049 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (76% White). Given that fact, Wilmington could be considered less diverse than other cities. In Wilmington, only 44% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Wilmington will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 18 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Wilmington is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before moving to any new city in North Carolina, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Wilmington and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, commute, health & safety, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the North Carolina and national averages.
Wilmington has a livability score of 70/100 and is ranked #110 in North Carolina and #6,868 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we know that Wilmington ranks very well for cost of living (B) and housing (B+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Wilmington. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: crime (F).
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Wilmington apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Assuming that Wilmington meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Wilmington. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Wilmington are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Wilmington come in at $475,002, which is 64.1% higher than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Wilmington, the home price to income ratio is 6.3, which is 53.7% higher than the North Carolina average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Wilmington | North Carolina | National |
| Average one way commute | 18min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 77.8% | 81.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.2% | 9.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.7% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.7% | 1.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 10.3% | 4.8% | 4.6% |
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